Tiger Woods 'flies into Augusta on his private jet to play secret pre-Masters practice round with club chairman Fred Ridley and Justin Thomas' - days after reuniting with his ex-wife Elin Nordegren at son's golf ceremony

Tiger Woods spent Saturday back on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National in preparation for this year's Masters, according to various reports.

The highly-anticipated golf major is now less than two weeks' away, and it was first reported on social media that Woods' private jet touched down at Augusta Regional Airport on Saturday morning.

Shortly after, Sports Illustrated's golf writer Bob Harig and notorious Woods-following X account TW Legion both reported that the 15-time major winner had indeed driven down Magnolia Lane shortly after.

According to Harig, Woods was on site at Augusta National to play a practice round with Augusta club chairman Fred Ridley, and his friend and fellow PGA Tour pro Justin Thomas.

Inside the notoriously-private confines of the club, it is unlikely any photographic evidence or video will emerge of the round, but Woods' presence in Georgia is seemingly a scouting trip ahead of his return to the Masters next month.

Tiger Woods reportedly played a secret round with Justin Thomas (right) and Fred Ridley

Woods 'landed in Augusta, Georgia on Saturday morning' ahead of his return to the course

Woods and his ex-wife Elin Nordegren were in the news this week after they reunited Monday

Woods reportedly played Saturday with Ridley - Augusta chairman and his good friend

It is not the first time Woods has been in the news this week, though, after a photo of him reuniting with his ex-wife Elin Nordegren went viral.

Woods and Nordegren were both in attendance to celebrate Charlie, 15, winning a high school state golf championship in Palm Beach, Florida. 

While Woods has, for years, said that they co-parent well together, he was seen standing awkwardly aside as Nordegren posed for a picture with Charlie and her son with ex-NFL player Jordan Cameron.

Woods, 48, was married to Swedish model Nordegren, 44, for six years before divorcing in 2010, with the golf legend's infamous cheating scandal left their marriage in ruins. 

The golf icon was married to Swedish model Nordegren for six years before divorcing in 2010

The last time Woods played at Augusta National competitively was the Masters last year

He has pulled on the green jacket five times in his career, and will go for a sixth next month

Before going their separate ways, they welcomed two children together in Charlie, now 15, and daughter Samantha, 16 - with Nordegren going on to have a fourth son, Arthur, with former NFL star Jordan Cameron in December 2019.

Woods, meanwhile, last played golf at the Genesis Open at Riviera in mid-February, but withdrew midway through citing stomach issues, which was later confirmed to be influenza.

An ambulance arrived at the course to spark fears about his wellbeing shortly after he left the course on a golf cart, but Woods did not have to use the emergency vehicle.

In a statement a day later, Woods said: 'I would like to confirm that I had to withdraw from @thegenesisinv due to illness, which we now know is influenza. 

Woods' last competitive outing was at the Genesis Open, but he withdrew with influenza

Woods and Thomas (left) are good friends, and both will be competing in the 2024 Masters

Woods poses with his son Charlie at his celebration of the state championship on Monday

'I am resting and feeling better. Good luck to the players this weekend. I’m disappointed to not be there and want to thank @GenesisUSA and all the fans for the support.'

A month and a half later, it appears Woods is busy preparing for his competitive return once again, after he missed the Players Championship in Florida.

The 48-year-old has pulled on the green jacket at Augusta National a record five times, perhaps most notably in 2019, when he returned from a serious leg injury to win the tournament against all odds. 

He is tied first all-time in PGA Tour wins with 82, and has 15 majors in a stunning career.